Dave Galas - President & Co-Founder at Sporting Cascades FC (USL 1)

In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Dave Galas, President & Co-Founder of Sporting Cascades FC, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to build a successful soccer club in the United States. From community-first ownership to stadium acquisition, youth development, and the evolving structure of US soccer, this episode offers a grounded, real-world look at club building outside the headlines. Key Takeaways: - Why community support is the foundation of long-term soccer success - How local fundraising made stadium acquisition possible - The role of youth sports facilities in deepening fan engagement - Why promotion and relegation is gaining momentum in U.S. soccer - How the USL ecosystem is evolving with new teams and structures - What first-time owners must learn about adaptability and leadership - The reality of building soccer culture-and why it takes patience - How major events like the FIFA World Cup create local opportunities - Why collaboration with local government matters more than people think - The importance of truly understanding the business of soccer Dave Galas shares his journey into soccer ownership and leadership in Eugene, Oregon, offering a candid look at the challenges and wins of launching and growing Sporting Cascades FC. The conversation explores how strong community buy-in, youth development, and smart collaboration with local stakeholders can accelerate club growth. Dave and Kareem also dig into the broader trajectory of American soccer-covering promotion and relegation, the future of the USL, and why the next generation of clubs will be built differently than those before them. This episode is essential listening for club owners, investors, city leaders, and anyone serious about the future of soccer in the U.S.